Hafiz expresses loyalty to Khaleda

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Newly made BNP acting secretary general Hafizuddin Ahmed Thursday expressed unflinching loyalty to the leadership of chairperson Khaleda Zia and said they would abide by her decisions when she comes out of prison, reports UNB.
"We all are under the leadership of Khaleda Zia. We will accept her decisions when she comes out of prison … We will secure her release through legal battle," Hafiz told reporters at his Banani residence at noon.
Pointing to reports in a section of the press he said there is no grouping in BNP branded as reformist and pro-Khaleda group. "We are all followers of Khaleda and shall remain united under her leadership."
Meanwhile, the acting chairperson Saifur Rahman had telephonic talks with chairperson's adviser Hannan Shah about the steps to forge unity in the party and advance for facing the upcoming election.
Hafiz said he met with ailing Khondokar Delwar Hossain in BIRDEM hospital Wednesday night but had no talks as he was sleeping at that time. "I'll meet him and discuss the party affairs when he recovers."
He said he also discussed the developments in the party with Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar and other senior party leaders who congratulated him, advised and suggested steps to carry out the party activities.
"We have sent letter to Election Commission requesting to recognize the new leadership in holding dialogue on electoral reforms.
About the war criminals, the BNP leaders said it was essential to hold trial of war criminals.
He told a correspondent that Jamaat was in alliance with BNP in the past. "We will take decision after discussion with the party leaders if the alliance will continue."